Mechanism control



April 23, 1935; s. A. SNELL MECHANISM CONTR-OL Filed July 8,. 1931 6 Sheets-Sheet 1 Jamue/ A; .Snel/ April 23, 1935.

s. AJSNELL 1,998,972 MECHANI SM CONTROL Filed Jul 8, 1951 s Sheets-Sheet 2 gmn'ntot I Samu/ 4. 5m?

dMMq l April 23, 1935. s. A. SNELL 1,998,972

MECHANISM CONTROL Filed July 8, 1931 6 Sheets-Sheet 3.

F /i910 W712 E91] April- 23, 1935. s SNELL 1,998,972

MECHANI SM CONTROL Filed July 8, 1951 e Sheets-Sheet 4 gmenlw i 1 Samuel A. Snell April '23, 1935. s. A. SNELL I MECHANISM CONTROL Filed July 8, 1931 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 Fig. 17

I smut o0:- Samuel A. fine/I saw 2 April 23, 1935. s. A. SNELL MECHANISM CONTROL 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 Filed July 8, 1931 Fig. '18

v gwmwnltoa. I Samuel A. .Snel/ m M W Patented Apr. 23, 1935 i UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

MECHANISM CONTROL ,Samuel A. Snell, Toledo, Ohio, assignor to The Bingham Stamping 8 Tool Company, Toledo, Ohio, a corporation of Ohio Application July 8, 1931, Serial No. 549,445

8 Claims. (G1 74-536) This invention relates to control mechanism showing one form of my invention embodied and particularly to mechanism of the type used therein, for the controls of a motor vehicle or other ap- Figure 2 is an enlarged fragmentary elevaparatus. tional view of a portion of the mechanism of a The invention has for an object the provision vehicle showing one form of installation of the 5 of a control mechanism embodying retaining level mechanism of y invention, means wherein the control may be adjusted and Figure 3 is all enlarged vertical sectional view retained in any desiredposition. through a portion of the lever arrangement of The invention embraces the provision of a my invention, v

control arrangement particularly adaptable for Figure 4 is a Vertical Sectio al V ew ake sub- 10 use in controlling the operation of braking mechstantially on the l of Figure 3 w n anisms wherein the extent of movement of the the retaining or locking means in locked posicontrol may vary in accordance with several tion. factors, the arrangement being provided with Figure 5 is a Vi w Of the Portion 0f the P means adapted to retain the same in any posiill rated in Figure'3 showing the control mem- 15 tion of adjustment. her and associated mechanism in releasing posi- Another object is the provision of an arrangetion. ment wherein the same may be positively re- Fi ure 6 is an is metr vi w of n m nt f tained in any position and yet may be easily rethe construction, leased by reason of a change in the movement F e i a v rti s ti nal view sh wing a 20 of a control member. modified form of my invention,

A further object is the provision of a brake Figure 8 is a V c Se io w taken Subcontrolling mechanism or lever arrangement Stantielly o the line of Figure which embodies a lost motion connection ar- Fi e 9 is a et ed w Of 8 P a firming 2-5 ranged for positively locking the lever y'et proa element f y nv nt l viding easily releasable means therefor. The in- Figure 10 is a Sectional V ew a en ub tant alvention also embraces a mounting for the con- 3! 0n the Mile 0f Figure trol member of the lever arrangement so as to Figure 11 is a detailed fragmentary v on substantially eliminate vibratory movements of View Showing a modified form o P 7 the operating lever or control member when the Figure 12 is a sectional view ofthe'p Shown 30 same is installed in a vehicle having a prime ill-Figure I mover which sets up both primary and second- Figure 13 is a Vertical Sectional w wi any harmonic vibrations which normally react still another f of controlling eans of my inupon such lever mechanism to cause excessive Ventieh,

as visible and audible vibration of the control mem- Figure 14 is a vertical sectional view taken as her. substantially on the line I4|l of Figure 13,

Still another object is the provision of a lever Figure 15 is a vertical Sectional w showing mechanism control arrangement wherein the m another, form of the device of my ,mventlon, major parts are formed from Sheet material thus Figure 16 1s a transverse vertical sectional-view 49 effecting substantial reduction in the expense taken substantially on "t hue '40 of manufacture and assembly, and further em- I t t Figure 1'7 is a detail view showing one element $2 32 52? umfqrmi y and m erchangeabmty of of the construction illustrated in Figures 15 and 16 v r a Further obJects and advantages are within the scope of this invention such as relate to the arfiig g is gg ggigggg View showing rangement, operation and function of the related Figure 19 is a vertical transverse sectional n elements of the structure, to various details of View taken substantially on the line of construction and to combinations of parts, ele- Figure .ments per and to economles manufacture I have illustrated the device of my inventioni'ro and numeroufi features as W111. be apparent as applicable to a brake control system for autofrom a conslderetlon of the speclficetlon and motive vehicles, but it is to be understood that 1 d awi of a form of the invention, which may be contemplate the use of my invention in any mechpreferred, in which anism where the same may be found to have utili- Figure 1 is a top plan view of a vehicle chassis ty therein.

' Referring to the drawings in detail, particularly Figure 1, I have illustrated somewhat diagrammatically a chassis of an automotive vehicle comprising essentially a frame 5, axles 6, wheels 1, a prime mover or engine 8 arranged in the conventional manner. Arranged immediately to the rear of the engine Bis a transmission 9, a drive connection ID to the rear wheels, the connection 10 carrying a brake drum I2 which in the embodiment illustrated comprises a braking mechanism of the so-called emergency type and with which for practical illustration I have incorporated 'my invention. Associated with wheels I are individual brakes I4 which are connected by means of rods l5 and E6 to a transverse operating shaft i l which is in turn connected by link 18 to a service brake pedal l9 or other. suitable operating means, but if desired the control mechanism of my invention may be associated with the latter described braking system. One form of the control mechanism of my invention is particularly illustrated in Figures 2 through 6, inclusive, being connected to a brake band 2] through the medium of a pull or extension rod 22, a bell crank lever 23 and link 24 to a pin 25 carried by the brake operating or control mechanism. This lever mechanism comprises a pair of similar plates 28 and 29 which are spaced apart by means of a' plate 30, all the plates being held in unitary relationship by means of rivets 32 or other suitable means. The plates 28 and 29 are provided with concentric openings which receive a bushing 34 being keyed as at 35 or otherwise secured to a cylindrical projection or stud 38 which may be an integral part of the transmission housing wall or may be otherwise secured to some convenientportion of the vehicle. The stud 38 is provided with a reduced threaded portion 38 which accommodates a washer 39 and' a nut 40 for holding, the bushing 34 and associated mechanismon the stud. The plates 28 and 29 are also provided with a cut-away portion 42 within which is positioned a cylindrical member or roller 43, one 'wall 44 or the cut-away portions 42 being angularly related so as to direct the cylindrical member 43 into wedging engagement with the 'said wall and the periphery of the bushing 34 when the plates 28 and 29 are moved in one direction with respect to the fixed bushing 34. I have provided an expansible spring 46, one end of which is received into an opening 41 in the centrally positioned spacer plate 30, to continuously urge the clutch roller 43 into contact with the angular wall 44 and the periphery of bushing 34.

The plates 28 and 29 are formed with depending portions 48 and 49 which have registering openings 58 adapted to receive the pin 25 for connecting the control mechanism to the braking mechanism or other apparatus.

Th operating means for moving the plates 28 and 29 hereinbefore described consists of a handle or operating member or lever element 52 which extends into an opening or cut-away portion of the plate 30 between the plates 28 and 29. The member 52 is provided with an elongated slot 53 through which projects a pivot pin 54, the latter serving to retain the handle or control member 52 in operative yet lost motion engagement with the plates 28 and 29 for a purpose to be hereinafter explained. Pivoted adjacent the lower extremity of the member 52 upon a pivot pin 56 carried by plates 28 and 29 is a movable release or pawl member 51 formed with a transversely extending portion 58 which is at all times aligned in parallelism with the axis of the cylindrical roller 43. The lever or,handle member 52 in the embodiment illustrated is capable of being manually operated to two positions respectively illustrated in Figures 3 and 5. In the normal position shown in Figure 3, the lower end of the handle or operating member 52 is in the path of a portion of the releasing member 51. In order to prevent ready displacement or inadvertent movement of the handle member I have provided a retaining ball 60 which is held in engagement with one of two notches GI and 62 in the handle member 52 by means, of an expansible spring 63 retained in a bore 64 in the spacer plate lever 30.

In the operation of the device of my invention, referring particularly to Figures 2 to 5, inclusive, to initiate the operation of the brake operating mechanism, the operating or lever handle 52 is moved in a counter-clockwise direction carrying plates 28, 29 and associated mechanism causing a movement of link 24, oscillation of hell crank lever 23 to brake setting position, i. e., drawing the brake band 2| into close frictional engagement with the brake drum 82.

When the mechanism has been moved in a counter-clockwise direction to brake setting position, the cylindrical or clutch member $3 is wedged under the influence of spring 46 into close frictional engagement between the periphery of the bushing 34 and the angular walls 44 of the members 28 and 29 creating such frictional engagement as will prevent the return of the plates 28 and 29 and mechanism carried thereby to brake releasing position. The wedging engagement is of such nature that a disruption of the parts will take place before the roller 43 will be dislodged from its wedged relation in brake setting position.

When it is desired to release the brake mechanism, a clock-wise movement oi the handle member 52 is effected causing a slight rotation or lost motion of the handle member about its pivot pin 54 bringing the lower end thereof into-contact with a portion of the releasing or hell crank member 51 swinging a portion 58 thereof into engagement with the roller 43 thus thrusting'the latter in a clock-wise direction to release the same from wedging engagement between the periphery of the bushing 34 and the angular walls 44 thus permitting movement of the entire assembly to pivot about the stud shaft or support 38 to brake releasing position. It will be apparent from the foregoing explanation that-a counterclockwise movement oi. the handle 52 to any position will eifect a locking engagement of the parts 43 against a possible release by any tension of the parts set up through the medium of the link 24 and brake mechanism per se and a release of the mechanism can only be eifected by proper I movement 01' the operating handle or lever 52.

releasingmember 51 as shown in dotted lines in Figure 3. With the ever in this position the same will not operate when urged in a clockwise direction to release the locking mechanism as the lower-most portion 01' the lever is moved out of the path of the releasing member 51 so that no releasing of the parts can take place during the period in which the lever is located in its uppermost position. This is a very desirable feature in that the vehicle operator may inadvertently release this mechanism by accidental contact therewith and such a safeguard also is eiIective against the surreptitious meddling ;by children of the mechanism. In order to effect or release the mechanism it is only necessary to move the lever or handle 52 downward to the position illustrated in full lines in Figure 3 in which position the clockwise movement will cause locking mechanism to be released as shown in Figure 5 and hereinbefore described.

I have found it desirable to provide a frictional means of some form to afford smooth operation of the mechanism during release, thus preventing an intermittent "jerking action which might arise by reason of the tension of the braking mechanism acting to cause the clutch member 43 to be periodically wedged and released because of the tendency of the mechanism to move swiftly to release position. To this end I have provided a plurality of annular members or plates 88 and 61 shown particularly in Figure 4, 9 and 10 inclusive, located on either side of the plates 28 and 29 and which are provided with indentations or spaced depressions 68 which are adapted to be progressably engaged by locking balls or members 69 which are held in engagement withthe plate by means of an expansible spring 10 interposed therebetween, the balls and spring being received in an aperture 12 in the bushing 34. The plates 66 and 61 are held in position by means of retaining screws or members 13. The depressions in plate 66 are not in aligned relation with the depressions in the plate 61 so that a movement of locking assembly causes the ball 69 to alternatively engage the depressions in the said plates thus setting up substantially continuous frictional engagement which prevents any quick return of the control mechanism to brake releasing position upon clockwise movement of the handle member 52. In Figures 11 and G2 I have illustrated a plate similar to that shown in Figures 9 and 10 with the depressions 68 formed by stamping the sheet metal plate with a tool formed of a series of projections.

In the form of my invention illustrated in Figures 7 and 8, the handle or crating member 52' is arranged at one side of the bushing 8d; the lower extremity of the handle member 52" when in its lower-most position being arranged to contact with a clutch releasing pin it to cause a disengagement of the locking roller or member 53' when the handle member 52" is moved in a counter-clockwise direction. en the handle member 52' is moved bodily upwardly to bring the locking ball til into engagement with the lowermost serration or depression 62 in the operating member, the lower extremity of the operating member is moved out of the path of engagement with the pin it as indicated by dotted lines in Figure 8, thus preventing any inadvertent releasing of the mechanism. This form of my invention operates in substantially the same manner as the first embodiment hereinbefore described.

In the form of the invention illustrated in Figures 13 and 14, the structure comprises essentially a pair of spaced plates 80 and 8! which are fixedly secured together by means of rivets 82, these plates-carrying a pivot pin 84 which is adapted to be connected by means of a link 88 to the braking mechanism of the vehicle. Fixedly secured to the transmission housing of the vehicle or other suitable supporting means is a bracket or member 81 having a curved or arcuate upper surface 88. A plate 83 interposed between the plates so and 8| is provided with an'aperture having an angularly arranged upper wall a clockwise movement or a lever or operating member 92 brings the extremity thereof. into engagement with a bell crank'member 83 which in turn contacts with a releasing pin 94 to move the rol1er90 out of wedging engagement with the bracket 8'! and the angular wall 89 oi the plate 83. In order to prevent inadvertent release of the mechanism, the lever 92 may be moved upwardly as hereinbefore described in connection with the other forms of the invention previously described. I

I In the form of my invention illustrated in Fig-' ures 15 through 17, inclusive, a case enclosing the mechanism is formed of two'flanged plates l0! and H12 within which is positioned a subfacilitate the connection of a brake operating rod thereto, this assembly forming a brake operating lever. The plate 108 is provided with a centrally positioned circular opening which receives a disc-like member 808 having an irregular shaped opening I01 therein which receives a tenon (not shown) which may form a part of the wall of the transmission casing or other supporting means (not shown) forming a part of the vehicle. At all times during the operation of the device the disc 808 is held in rigid relationship with respect to the supporting element.

The plate are is provided with an opening 688} having an angularly arranged wall 6%, the opening are adapted to accoodate a cylindrical roller orclutch element ME. The plates mi and W2 are provided with embossed or raised portions Hi2 and M3 whichaccoodate the extremities of the clutch member and also the parallel portions Md and tilt of a substantially U shaped member M6, the extremities of the portions M 3 and its having openings to accommodate the ends or the clutch meber Md. The plate W3 is provided with erectangular notch or serration Mi which coodates an expansibis spring 0 it, the latter enga t the bight por- ,t engagement with the well its at plate its and the peripheryof disc ace.

described with respect to the other modifications oi the invention disclosed, i. e., a clockwise movement of the lever member I28 about the pivot pin l2l operates to bring a projection I22 formed on the lower extremity of the lever into engagement with the bight portion of the spring of the U- The mechanism is released in substantially the same manner as hereinbefore out of wedging engagement with the walls of shaped member 6 to move the clutch member .I I0 out of engaging position.

In this form of the invention it will be noted that all the parts may be easily and inexpensively formed of sheet material. The mechanism may be locked by an upward movement of the ban-- die member I20 to bring the lowermost extremity of an elongated slot I23 in the handle member into contact with the pivot pin I2I, which movement raises the projection I22 out of the path of the member II6 so that any clockwise movement of the lever will not cause a release of the mechanism. i

In the form of my invention illustrated Figures 18 and 19, a casing acting as a lever element is formed of two oppositely disposed plates I30 and I36, these plates being formed with a circular portion which receives a centrally positioned disc-like member I32 having a depending leg I33, the leg having an opening I34 for attachment to a brake operating rod or other mechanism. Positioned on either side of the plate I32 are disc-like members I38 and I3! having integrally formed inwardly turned ears I38 which are arranged in the path of a member I39 mounted for pivotal movement on a pin I40. The upward portion 01' member I39 is arranged in the path of the lower extremity of a handle member I4I which is pivotally supported upon a pin I43 as in the otherforms of the invention hereinbew fore described. t

The centrally positioned disc I32 is provided with diametrically opposed serrations or cutaway portions I44 and I45 which accommodate clutch member I46 and I" which are adapted for clutching engagement between the periphery of a supporting disc I48 which may be secured to the transmission casing or other suitable supporting means and theangular walls of the serrations I44 and I45 in the disc I32. The clutch members I46 and I41 are urged into locking position by means of expansible springs I50 and III. The discs I36 and I31 are provided with aligned openings to receive or accommodate the extremities of the clutch members I46 and I41. Thus a clockwise movement of the operating handle I about the pivot pin I42 oscillates member I39 into engagement with the'ears I 38 thus rotating the discs I36 and I3! carrying with them the clutch members or rollers I 46 and I4! the disc I32 and the supporting member I46, which eifects a release of the mechanism so that the entire assembly carried by the plates I36 and I3'I may be moved in a clockwise direction. .Withan arrangement of'this character wherein the clutch members are diametricallyarranged 'irregularitiescause a constant sympathetic or synchronous vibration of brake lever operating mechanism. I

In the form of my invention disclosed herein I have found that pivoting the lever member so as to have lost motion with respect to its supporting structure substantially reduces the vibra-,

. tion.

tion of the handle member to a minimum, and in some instances of installation the vibratory movements of the handle member are entirely eliminated. .I'his arises by reason of the fact that the vibration of the lever structure of the braking mechanism of my invention is separate from the handle member. Thus the inertia of the handle member is sufiicient to prevent sympathetic vibration of the latter with other vibrating parts of the vehicle. Moreover, I have found that the lost motion mounting of the handle member does not create a rattling of the parts but on thecontrary no clicking or obnoxious noises arise from this method of mounting.

It is apparent that, within the scope of the invention modifications and different arrangements may be made other than is herein disclosed, and the present disclosure is illustrative merely, the invention comprehending all variations thereof.

What I claim is:

1. In a device of the character disclosed, in combination, a lever having relatively movable portions; friction locking mechanism for one of said lever portions; means whereby the movement of one of the portions of said lever releases said locking mechanism, and means retarding movement of said lever during releasing opera- 6 2. In combination, cylindrical supporting means; a relatively movable member journalled upon said supporting means; a cylindrical looking member interposed between said supporting means and said member; means for urging said cylindrical member into locking position; an operating lever having lost motion connection with said member; means interposed between said clutch member and said lever and engageable with said clutch member for releasing latter, and

\ ing member and a portion of the lever element;

a handle member having slidable connection with saidlever element; means whereby lateral movement of said handle" member eifects a release of said clutch element,.said handle member being capable of longitudinal slidable movement for gndering ineffective a release of the clutch mem- 4. In combination, a lever element; a supporting shaft therefor; a cylindrical bushing interposed between said lever element and said shaft; a clutch roller interposed between said cylindrical member and said lever element; a releasing means for said clutch member; a handle portion movably supported with respect to said lever element and positioned to actuate said clutch releasing means, said handle portion being capable of movement to a position out of engagement with the clutch releasing means; and frictional means for retarding movement of said lever element in either direction. r

- 5. In combination, a lever element comprising a pair of spaced plates; a cylindrical supporting member for said lever element; a friction clutch interposed between said support and said lever element; a handle member having a portion proiecting between said plates for operating theleverand for releasing said clutch means, said/7v handle member being movable out of engagement with the clutch releasing means.

6. In combination, a lever having a body portion and a handle portion, saidbody portion consisting of two substantially matched half sections of sheet material; means for securing said sections together; a support for said body portion; and clutch means interposed between said body portion and said support for retaining the lever in adjusted position.

7. In combination, a lever having a body portion and a handle portion, said body portion consisting of two substantially matched half sections of sheet material; means for securing said sections together; a support for said body portion; clutch means interposed between said body portion and said support for retaining the lever in adjusted position; and means associated with 'said handle portion for efi'ecting a release of said clutch means.

8. In combination, a lever having a body portion and a handle portion, said body portion con 

